Dolph, what can viewers expect from Take The Tower?
“They can expect a lot of action, because it’s based on action movies, fun, comedy and some stress! What’s unique about it in my opinion is it’s based on action movies and the competitors are action fans – and they have to go up against one of the old school ‘action guys’!”
What appealed to you to take part in the show?
“It was a unique concept that suited me pretty well. When I spoke to the director, he wanted to make it light and comedic, which I though was good as I don’t get a lot of chance to do that. I know the Brits are the best comedians – they write very funny comedies, so I thought I’d give it a shot.”
Can you tell us about the missions?
“The missions take place in the tower, finishing off in my penthouse. Expect a different challenge on every level. You’ve got strategic missions, physical tests, and plenty of movie quizzes thrown in. You’ve got friends, family and couples together and it’s completely unpredictable how they will pool their knowledge and work together. It’s fast paced, adrenalin filled and will have you totally glued to your screen.”
In the series, you are challenged against the contestants. Can you tell us about that? How did you fare?
“It was tough for me! I’d just arrived from LA and was jet lagged! I felt the pressure. I had to live up to my image! I think the results were pretty good – I won some, I lost some – and some were very close. If I’d won all of them no one would have won any prizes which would have been sad. The Duel is very quick and based on reaction time and co-ordination. When the contestants first meet me on the show, it’s on camera. They step out of this elevator and there I am, in all my glory in my suit looking bad-ass in my penthouse, staring them down with no emotion, so some of them got a little shaky! On the whole, we got on well and it was all in good humour.”
What qualities do contestants need to scale the tower?
“They have to be very co-ordinated and sharp – it’s a mental, physical co-ordination, eye-hand co- ordination and they had to help each other – they had to be supportive of the team members. In the Duel, it was just being able to relax and trust your reflexes - and not think too much.”
What were your stand out moments from shooting the series?
“I liked some of the opening monologues – they were quite funny and well-written. There was one or two teams where it was heart breaking when the lost when they’d done really well. I beat them at the end – and I felt sorry for them! There was one team I invited to the premiere of Creed 2 – so I guess I will see those guys again soon.”
As an action movie hero, did you learn anything from the series yourself?!
“Being the host of a show is demanding, especially delivering tongue in cheek monologues. It’s not something I do every day. It’s always great to be close to your fans. To do something together with them, to share something – especially some kind of contest. I kind of appreciate my role as an actor and an entertainer to make people feel good. That’s what I have done for years now and it feels nice to get the rewards of it.”
What other projects are you working on at the moment – what’s up next for you?
“I’ve finished two pictures, coming up this year – one is Creed 2, a boxing movie with Sylvester Stallone, a sequel to Creed and to the Rocky series. That’s coming out in November. Then there’s another picture called Aquaman. Right now I’m in Rome, directing a picture, a small movie I’ve wanted to do for many years, a psychological drama.”